The Murphy family for Marylanders for Marriage Equality

February 14, 2012

The ACLU of Maryland joins the Marylanders for Marriage Equality coalition to thank members of the prominent Murphy family of Baltimore, who are featured in a coalition web ad calling for marriage equality in the Free State. The ad can be viewed here.

In the ad, William "Billy" Murphy Jr., Laura W. Murphy, and Rebecca Murphy say "We are Marylanders for Marriage Equality." The ACLU of Maryland is especially proud to have Laura, the head of the national ACLU's Washington Legislative Office, participate in the ad.

"We are so honored and proud to have members of the Murphy family stand strongly with us in support of the Civil Marriage Protection Act," said Susan Goering, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maryland. "The Murphys' history of fighting for equality under the law is legendary and has long been an inspiration to many. That is why their continuing steadfast support of fairness for gay and lesbian couples now is so meaningful."

The Murphys have been a part of many important firsts on the road to equality. Both men and women in the Murphy family through many generations have worked with the NAACP and community groups to advance opportunities and legal protections for all people.

Their ancestor, John Murphy Sr., a former slave, started the Afro-American newspaper, which played a vital role in the civil rights movement. The Honorable William Murphy Sr, was one of the first African Americans to enroll at the University of Maryland Law School and one of the first African American District Court judges in Maryland. Madeline Wheeler Murphy was an important political activist and influential writer, who together with her William Sr advised many future elected leaders.

"I strongly support Governor O'Malley's Civil Marriage Protection Act," said William "Billy" Murphy, Jr, founding partner of the Murphy Law firm in Baltimore. "I have lived with and known gays and lesbians all my life and believe that as fellow human beings they should be able to protect their families through marriage. Let's get this done."

"One of key lessons I have learned in my work as an advocate, both personally and professionally, is that for equality to have meaning, legal rights must extend to everyone," said Laura Murphy, director of the ACLU's Washington Legislative Office. "Separate can never be equal."

"The Murphy family has been standing up for equality for everyone for a long time, and this fight is no different," said Rebecca Murphy, parent, straight ally, and community activist. "Same-sex couples in our community share our values of commitment and family, and they deserve to be protected."

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